Open data kit: Mobile data collection framework for developing countries

Abstract

To evaluate and improve the delivery of health care services and programs; to collect and share information on agro-biodiversity; to fill the gaps in the data of artisanal or industrial fisheries, the use of computer tools of data collection is a major asset. It is now obvious that most of these tools are difficult to use in developing countries. And this is because of the complexity of use, either because they are commercial solutions or simply because these tools require a stable internet connection. This study is the result of thorough research on Open Data Kit (ODK), a suite of tools fully compatible with the context of developing countries and fully open source software. This article traces the research work done for the design, implementation, and improvement of ODK. A description of the different ODK extensions that can be found in the literature is given in addition to the reasons that explain the success of ODK in developing countries. To highlight the utility of ODK, an analysis of the areas of use of ODK has been made. This analysis concludes that ODK is mainly used to improve the intervention effectiveness of health system agents in developing countries.